Leicester City striker Islam Slimani was expected to break Newcastle United’s transfer record, but a cross-Premier League switch is far from certain.
Reports have emerged in the last few days that Newcastle United could embark on a spectacular conclusion to another frustrating window by finally smashing their 13-year-old transfer record on a striker.
And, thus, there has been plenty of speculation about who that man might be. And, after reports linking Atletico Madrid’s Kevin Gameiro with a move to St James’ Park, it is understood that Leicester City outcast Islam Slimani is the man in the frame to take Michael Owen’s status as Newcastle’s most expensive player.
Although Mike Ashley’s sudden willingness to give the green light to a big-money deal does not mean the signing of Slimani will be straightforward.
And while fans may be concerned that another target could slip through their grasp due to a reluctance to spend, you could see why the Magpies would have reservations about Slimani.
He is 29 these days and has started just two Premier League games all season. And, in his debut campaign after that £29 million move to Leicester from Sporting Lisbon, Slimani netted just seven league goals and failed to establish himself in the starting XI.
Sky Sports report that Newcastle have also made a bid for Feyenoord frontman Nicolai Jorgensen so it is far from certain that Slimani will be the striker who ends up at Newcastle this month.
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